inspiration – Derrick Kwa

Share Your Superheroes

Jun 18, 2008

We all have people who have influenced us, who have made a difference in our lives. Some of mine are listed here.

Squidoo has organized a really cool contest, meant to honor these people. Make lenses on your everyday superheroes, and stand to win $500 for a charity of your choice.

It’s a great way to thank those who have made a difference in your life, and contribute to charity at the same time.

Who are your everyday superheroes? Here’s a chance for you to thank and acknowledge them.

It’s not (just) about providing good content

May 16, 2008

Image via Wikipedia

I haven’t done these short posts – that mainly reiterate what someone else has said – in a while. But I figured, this was a really important point worth making (Mitch, hope you don’t mind me ‘hijacking’ your post).

Mitch Joel (who you really should be reading, if you aren’t already) recently wrote about Seth Godin. It’s a really good post, worth reading. In it, he writes about Seth Godin’s speaking style.

After Seth’s keynote this morning, I reviewed the notes that I was taking (which, for the record, I do on my BlackBerry) and I had a huge realization. The notes had nothing to do with what he was saying and everything to do with a fistful of creative sparks that were inspired by what he was saying. Stuff I need to get doing… now.

That’s a great lesson.

It’s not just about providing good content – in your blogs, speeches, whatever. It’s about how you inspire people, what ideas you give.

How are you inspiring people through your conversations?

Most Valuable Player

May 8, 2008

Image via Wikipedia

So, Kobe Bryant has finally gotten the MVP award.

I’ve always been a fan of Kobe – he’s got the ability to do things that nobody else can. And I think he definitely deserves to have gotten the MVP award.

I couldn’t agree more with most of the analyses about his win. It’s not just about being the best player individually. Statistics-wise, Kobe’s probably been one of the best (if not the best) for a couple of years now. But it’s only this season that he’s really stepped up as a team player, and made the rest of his team better.

And that’s what it’s all about. Being the most valuable player isn’t necessarily about being the best. It’s about being the most valuable. And the most valuable is about his importance to the team. Making his team mates better is an important part of that.

The same applies in any sort of team – a school, a business organization, any team/group you’re part of. It’s not just about your performance. It’s about how well you can inspire and bring out the best in others.

How are you bringing out the best in the people around you?

Sunday Shortlist #3

Jan 6, 2008

Here’s the first Sunday Shortlist of 2008.

Web-based Ways To Make A Difference – TEDBlog

A good collection of links from the folks at TED. Web tools to help you make a difference in 2008, and make the new year count.

The World Question Center 2008 – Edge

Even the greatest thinkers change their minds at times. Edge asks some of the brightest minds of today what they’ve changed their minds about in 2007. A good collection of thoughts, that will no doubt get you thinking as well.

Creation Based Thinking – Steli Efti: The Supercool Principal

A short post, just two quotes and a joke, but something that we should all think about. As 2008 starts, it’s a great encouragement to create our own future.

Is School Wasting Your Money – Scott H Young

Scott H Young asks the question of whether school is wasting your money. A good comparison of formal education and self-learning.

The Rise of Comic Book Education – Kevin Carroll Katalyst Blog

I love seeing new developments and innovations in education, and this is one of them. Great to see education opening up to new ideas.

If you’ve come across an interesting page/site that you want to share, feel free to email me or add a comment. I’ll be glad to take a look at it and share it. Self promotion is accepted as well.